Human resources managers, sometimes called human resources directors, are responsible for overseeing the hiring, firing and personnel development process of an organization. In addition, they also help to coordinate strategic organizational planning and act as intermediaries between the staff and executive management. Typically, candidates have at least a bachelor's degree and several years of related work experience before directing a human resources department.

National Average and Pay Scale

As of 2011, human resources managers reported an average annual salary of $108,600 to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The median salary reported was about $99,000, and the middle-earning half of all human resources managers earned between $76,000 and $131,000 per year. Many workers who eventually become human resources managers start as human resources specialists, who reported an average annual salary of nearly $59,000 to the bureau in 2011.

Average Income by Employment Sector

Human resources managers are employed in a variety of industries, and as a result earn a range of salaries. The very highest earners worked in the motion picture and video industry, where they earned an average of $158,700 per year. Those working in the communications equipment manufacturing industry earned nearly $140,000 per year. Human resources directors employed in general hospitals averaged $105,000 per year, and those working at colleges and universities earned an average of $100,000 per year. HR managers working for local governments reported some of the lowest levels of compensation, an average of $93,320 per year.

Average Income by Region

As of 2011, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the highest-paying jobs for this occupation were concentrated in the Northeast United States, as well as in a few western states such as Colorado and California. New Jersey reported the highest average salary, $137,570 per year, while Washington, D.C. reported a high average salary of nearly $132,000. Those in Delaware, California and Rhode Island reported average salaries of over $120,000 per year. Oklahoma reported the lowest average salary, about $65,000 per year.

Occupational Outlook

As of 2010, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimated that about 72,000 human resources managers were employed in the United States. Between 2010 and 2020, employment among HR managers is expected to grow at a rate of 13 percent, resulting in approximately 9,300 additional jobs by the end of the decade. The bureau predicts that candidates with a master's degree or certification will have the best job prospects. Those who have experience working with a Human Resources Information System, computer software that helps HR departments track costs associated with payroll, employee benefits, training and recruiting, may also experience a competitive edge when searching for a job.